Teen Assaulted By Knife-Wielding Suspect Who Followed Her Into Bronx Apartment

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) — A 13-year-old girl was sexually attacked at knifepoint in the Bronx, and her family was speaking out about it Thursday night.

Police are looking for the man they said followed her up to the family’s apartment in the middle of the day.

The victim was unaware a stranger lurked behind her as she walked into her family’s apartment building. She had to make a terrifying split-second decision when the man, allegedly armed with a knife, demanded to use the bathroom.

“Out of fear she didn’t know what to do if she didn’t let him in. Who knows what would have happened,” her brother said speaking exclusively with CBS2’s Dave Carlin.

She let him in. It was 1 p.m. Nobody was home.

The stranger sexually attacked her in the living room, but fled when she fought back.

“I think they should catch this person and just put him away. This is bad,” Mario Alvarez said.

Detectives said the man can be seen clearly on the building’s surveillance videos, which police did not immediately make public.

The suspect has been described as a black male in his 20s. He was wearing a red shirt, and grey pants.

“I trust that they will get the guy and catch the guy,” her brother said.

Neighbors in the building said the security cameras work and so do the locks, but they said people who don’t belong often find ways to tailgate their way in.

“People let people in the building, but they don’t make sure the doors close behind him,” neighbor Veronica Campbell said.

The victim was taken to Lincoln Medical Center.

“I’m just very glad she’s alive, that’s the most important part I’m very grateful for,” her brother said.

Her brother is angry, and said he wants revenge. Most importantly he’s focused on being there for his sister.